This is a great trail with spectacular views at the top, unfortunately though, and apparently like several other trails on Mountain Loop Highway, trailhead security is poor. Had a great hike in the snow on Mount Dickerman Saturday Dec. 15, marred by discovering car had been broken into. Back window smashed, all bags and gear stolen from back storage area of car. Best guess is it happened around 3 p.m. I’ve heard about this happening at other trailheads on Mountain Loop Highway. The trails in the area are great, unfortunately safety at the trailheads is lacking.

Totally packed in on Saturday December 8th. This hike is no joke! Killer on the knees. We only needed microspikes and poles starting around the 2.5 mile mark, however with the predicted snow this week, this would easily become a very difficult snow shoe. Avalanche danger is high here, so be sure to check that avy stats before you go or come prepared with adequate training.

Beautiful hike! You definitely need snow cleats and a pole, but no snow shoes required. This is a popular trail, so the snow on the trail has been compacted down. We started at 8am and only ran into one group of hikers at the top, but we passed plenty on the way down. I definitely think the snow makes this hike more beautiful! Great hike, even if you're new to winter hiking.

Good hike, switchbacks get a little tiresome coming down. Once the trail opens up near the top, it becomes a winter wonderland! The summit was socked in, but I was able to get a glimpse of some nearby peaks through the clouds. Lots of people on the trail, so parts of the trail got a little slick. Most had snowshoes but were rarely used. I carried snowshoes and microspikes. Microspikes were wildly helpful but not absolutely necessary. It was a great morning!

Amazing peaceful hike. Hiked Friday last week and was snowing heavily. Wore Yaktrax but some steep icy switchbacks near summit so lightweight spikes would have been better. Had to scramble a little and butt slide down parts. Park in Alpental Ski area then walk up road beyond the ‘No vehicles sign’ and the trail is on your right: look for steps.

Nice hike, but unfortunately weather wasn't great at the top and we had no view at all. Saw a lot of people carrying snowshoes on the trail but nobody needing to wear them. Definitely helpful to have microspikes the second half of the hike, but not necessary. I didn't put mine on until the way down to make it a little easier. A hike that I will have to do again when the sky is clear.

12|1|18The road to the trail head is littered with potholes, use caution. The trail register is closed for the season so be sure to let someone know where you are. The trail is very wet. Lots of running water on the tail. Snow made an appearance about 1/4 mile from the lake. There is about 3 inches of snow at the lake and it is starting to ice over. Not many people on the way up we started at 8 am by the time we got back to the car at noon there were no more parking spots. Great hike always one of my favorites

Amazing hike! The moderate rating is justified due to the elevation gain, flooded areas, and trees/roots on the trail. Had snow at the lake which made for beautiful photos, would definitely recommend to others and doing it again.

This is my FAVORITE hike in this area. Not too long. Steady elevation. And breathtaking lake! I’ve done this hike probably 20 times, and attempted it during every season and it never disappoints! My 4 year old even did the hike and only needed to be helped at the very top. And bonus theirs a “toilet” at the top ;)

Nice little workout. Lots of uphill, and then downhill. haha. Literally walking up a mountain. Had to slow down for our older pup. She made it, but was huffing and puffing. The view is ok I guess? Not really a trail Id go and tell people they need to hit. a family said they counted 26 dogs on the trail. This is definitely heavily traficked.

we did the route today with the dog, was muddy being shoes with good tread as not to slip, long waits for lines of hikers literally lines of 5-10 people at about 9am, if you hike before 8am you should be ok. trail was nice being trekking poles

Great views of the falls but I did not do the entire trail because it was closed. This was one of 3 waterfalls I was visiting so I was not too disappointed that it wasn’t much of a “hike”. I was treated with gorgeous views of a rainbow over the waterfall. I assume on any sunny day this occurs. As others have mentioned it is difficult to find. You will park at a gravel parking lot right off the road on the right and then you will need to cross the road by foot to find the trail head right off the edge of the road.

Here is a video from my day where I visited panther creek falls, lower creek falls, and spirit falls - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KasE9uJGAOA&t=630s

Travelers info:

Forest Pass: YES
Parking fee: no but forest Pass needed
Driving: about 2 hours from Portland, potholes on the road up to panther.